First demonstration of VUV-photon detection in liquid xenon with THGEM and GEM-based Liquid Hole Multipliers

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the first successful detection of VUV photons in liquid xenon using THGEM and GEM-based Liquid Hole Multipliers, advancing noble-liquid detector technology.

Contribution

It introduces a novel detection method employing coated THGEM and GEM electrodes immersed in liquid xenon for simultaneous photon and electron detection.

Findings

Successful detection of VUV scintillation photons in liquid xenon

Use of cesium iodide coating enhances photon detection

First demonstration of LHM in liquid xenon environment

Abstract

The bubble-assisted Liquid Hole-Multiplier (LHM) is a recently-introduced detection concept for noble-liquid time projection chambers. In this "local dual-phase" detection element, a gas bubble is supported underneath a perforated electrode (e.g., Thick Gas Electron Multiplier - THGEM, or Gas Electron Multiplier - GEM). Electrons drifting through the holes induce large electroluminescence signals as they pass into the bubble. In this work we report on recent results of THGEM and GEM electrodes coated with cesium iodide and immersed in liquid xenon, allowing - for the first time - the detection of primary VUV scintillation photons in addition to ionization electrons using LHMs.